title: Central nervous system infection by Listeria monocytogenes in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: analysis of 26 cases, including the report of a new case.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Infections in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus cause significant morbidity. Infection due to Listeria monocytogenes (LM) is considered an opportunistic disease, and has been published on rare occasions in patients with SLE.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To review the presentation of listeria infections in the central nervous system (CNS) in SLE patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  We conducted a literature review, selecting cases with central nervous system infection and confirmation of LM infection through culture.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Twenty six cases are described. The most common presentation was meningitis, with meningoencephalitis and brain abscesses being less frequent. The predisposing factors are: use of glucocorticoids, immunosuppressants, renal replacement therapy and the activity flares.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  CNS infection by listeria is rare and sometimes fatal. The atypical presentation may lead to a delay in diagnosis and appropriate treatment. L. monocytogenes should be included in the differential diagnosis of patients with SLE with neurological manifestations.
authors.affiliation: Servicio de Reumatología, Hospital General Regional 220, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Toluca de Lerdo, Estado de México, México. Electronic address: gabho@hotmail.com.
authors.forename: Gabriel
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Horta-Baas
authors.forename: Omar
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Guerrero-Soto
authors.forename: Leonor
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Barile-Fabris
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001922:Brain Abscess / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008088:Listeriosis / Q000209:etiology*; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000150:complications*; D008297:Male; D008584:Meningitis, Listeria / Q000209:etiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Absceso cerebral; Brain abscess; Listeria monocytogenes; Lupus eritematoso sistémico; Meningitis; Systemic lupus erythematosus